When "constipation" strikes children, what should parents do? Consider the "intestines" to make children poop smoothly

Constipation is a "trouble" for many adults. Little do people know that children, even newborns, can also suffer from constipation. Seeing the baby's red face, trying his best but still unable to "hmm", parents are worried.

Constipation, a seemingly common problem, troubles many babies and parents. If your baby often has difficulty defecating, but no organic lesions are found in the hospital, then it is likely that the baby suffers from functional constipation.

What is functional constipation in children?

Experts from Changde Second People's Hospital said that functional constipation in children refers to a functional bowel disease with the main manifestations of difficulty in defecation, reduced bowel movement, and hard and dry stool, after excluding organic diseases and metabolic diseases. It is the most common type of constipation in children, accounting for more than 90% of children with constipation.

1. Diagnostic criteria for functional constipation in children

<4 years old: 1. Defecation ≤ 2 times/week; 2. History of fecal retention; 3. History of painful or difficult defecation; 4. History of large stool; 5. Large stool lumps in the rectum; 6. Children who are toilet-trained have fecal incontinence at least once a week; 7. Children who are toilet-trained have large stools that may clog the toilet. Include at least 2 symptoms and last for at least one month.

≥4 years old: 1. Defecation ≤ 2 times/week; 2. Fecal incontinence at least once a week; 3. Fecal retention posture or excessive voluntary bowel movement; 4. History of painful or difficult defecation; 5. Large fecal masses in the rectum; 6. Excretion of large feces that may clog the toilet; 7. Not meeting the diagnostic criteria for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

2. How to diagnose functional constipation in children

The diagnosis of functional constipation in children mainly relies on the description of the parents and the physical examination of the doctor. If necessary, some auxiliary examinations can be performed, such as abdominal X-ray, rectal digital examination, etc., to rule out organic diseases.

3. Why do babies suffer from functional constipation?

The cause of functional constipation in children is not yet fully understood, but it is currently believed to be related to the following factors:

Unreasonable dietary structure: insufficient dietary fiber intake, too little water intake, excessive protein intake, etc., will lead to slower intestinal peristalsis, dry and hard stools, and thus cause constipation.

Bad bowel habits: Babies do not develop the habit of regular bowel movements, often suppress the urge to defecate, or are disturbed by external factors during defecation, which will affect the normal defecation reflex and lead to constipation.

Psychological factors: Environmental changes, study pressure, family conflicts and other psychological factors can also affect the baby's intestinal function and cause constipation.

Lack of exercise: If babies sit still for a long time and lack exercise, their intestinal motility will slow down, their abdominal muscles will become weak, and it will be difficult to defecate.

Intestinal flora imbalance: Intestinal flora is an important factor in maintaining intestinal health. When the intestinal flora is unbalanced, it will lead to intestinal dysfunction and cause constipation.

Probiotics: A good helper to improve constipation

In recent years, more and more studies have shown that probiotics play an important role in improving functional constipation in children.

1. What are probiotics?

Probiotics refer to active microorganisms that are beneficial to human health. They can colonize in the human intestine, regulate the balance of intestinal flora, and maintain intestinal health.

2. How do probiotics improve constipation?

Regulate the balance of intestinal flora: Probiotics can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, thereby restoring the balance of intestinal flora and improving intestinal function.

Promote intestinal motility: Do not eat uncooked food, do not drink raw water, disinfect tableware regularly, and reduce the occurrence of foodborne diseases.

Soften stool: Probiotics can break down the cellulose in food, produce short-chain fatty acids, increase the water content of stool, soften the stool and make it easier to excrete.

Enhance intestinal barrier function: Probiotics can promote the secretion of mucus by the intestinal mucosa, enhance the intestinal barrier function, and reduce the stimulation of harmful substances to the intestine.

3. How to supplement probiotics?

Yogurt: Choose yogurt containing active probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, etc.

Probiotic preparations: There are many probiotic preparations on the market, such as probiotic powder, probiotic tablets, etc. You can choose the appropriate dosage form according to your baby's age and situation.

Foods rich in prebiotics: Prebiotics are foods for probiotics that can promote the growth and reproduction of probiotics, such as bananas, onions, garlic, oats, etc.

It should be noted that:

Probiotics are not a panacea and cannot replace drug treatment.

Supplementing with probiotics requires long-term persistence to achieve the desired effect.

Different strains of probiotics have different effects. It is recommended to choose appropriate probiotic products under the guidance of a doctor.

In addition to supplementing probiotics, parents should also pay attention to the following points:

1. Adjust your diet

Increasing foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, can increase stool volume and promote intestinal peristalsis. At the same time, make sure your baby drinks enough water every day.

2. Develop good bowel habits

Train your baby to defecate at regular times every day, preferably about half an hour after a meal, when intestinal peristalsis is active and defecation is easier. Pay attention during defecation and avoid playing with toys or watching TV.

3. Increase your physical activity

Encourage your baby to do more outdoor activities, such as running, jumping, cycling, etc., which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help defecation.

4. Create a good defecation environment

Prepare a comfortable and safe toilet for your baby and maintain a quiet and relaxing environment during defecation.

Although functional constipation in children is not a serious disease, it can affect the baby's growth, development, and physical and mental health. Parents should pay attention to their baby's defecation problems, discover and solve them in time, and help their babies grow up healthily!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Yang Lu, Pediatrics, Changde Second People's Hospital

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(Edited by YT)